I'm running Windows XP pro, SP3 and every so often i will get an error message stating that google chrome has a bad image file and it will basically shut down. I also had a similar problem with skype, but not nearly as much. My computer is a IBM Leveno Think Centere M52 8144. Then I cant do anything on the computer and have to force a shut down, due to it not taking the shut down command. This has been an on going problem for awhile now, it would do it maybe once a month, but now once a week-once every 2 weeks. I scanned my HDD for errors using HD tune 2.55 and it came back clean. I was a long time Avast user, but now have switched to Microsoft security essentials(currently doing a full system scan), thinking maybe some malware slipped through Avast. Anyone recognize this problem or have had this problem?

JPGs shouldn't do that. Neither should incompatible videos (Adobe Flash) or incompatible documents (Adobe Reader). But both the latter do to me, all the time. They either lock the browser, or the OS, and sometimes even the BIOS. I'm on W98 so I have to expect some incompatibility. WXP shouldn't experience that. Not for another couple years.

One thing coders are especially bad about is writing error handlers. They like to think their code is perfect and won't cause errors. Of course they're wrong, but since most engineering auditors have long-since been laid off (I was one, for Dell) there's nobody to tell them that so they do the same things over and over and never learn.

I doubt what you're seeing is the result of malware. It is the result of schlockware. Exactly whose it's hard to tell. Schlockware is rampant in the code industry. I mean, if Microshaft can get away with it, who can't?

Might try another browser, there are lots of them out there and they're all free. They're also, to one degree or another, all schlock.

I like using Chrome, and Rockmelt which is a version of Chrome for social networking. Yeah, i have IE and Firefox but i only run them when i have to. Chrome is just over all faster and simpler to use. I like to be able to type my search into the address bar rather then going to google and then searching. BTW this has nothing to do with actual picture files.. IDK why it brings up an image file error. Sometime down the line i am seriously considering upgrading to Windows 7 home basic 64 bit, its just a matter of finding a disc without a key code attached to it.

When the computer starts to give strange messages and starts acting as you've described, you might have leaking capacitors. Open the computer as well as the power supply and look at the tops of all the electrolytics to see if any bulging, cracked open vents, or leakage. They can also leak at the bottom. I recently had to replace a video card and power supply with this problem.

Look at all the photos (click each one to expand) here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague

I sure the heck hope i do not have leaky caps. I had the side cover off once, and the Mobo doesnt really have all that many caps on it that i seen. I will have to check the power supply sometime, as its going to be a real PINTA because this computer is built like a tank.. and with this being my only computer, that wont happen for awhile. Now if it were a cheap ol' emachine it wouldnt be that bad.. but this tower literally weighs in at 35 pounds,compared to my emachine i had that barely weighed 10 pounds.

I build all my computers from a combination of old re-useable parts and new to keep them abreast with technology changes. The current build centers around an A-bit IP-35 motherboard with the Antec 500-D power supply. I've found that it's a good idea to keep a spare video card and power supply on hand because you never know when the unexpected will happen. My tower case is a monster as well. Let me know how the caps look in that power supply. Also, be sure to check your video card. There are times when electrolytics go bad without any external signs but usually, you will see bulging at the top and/or split vents and leakage. Those scribe marks on the top of the aluminum cans are designed to split open when pressure builds inside. Sometimes they explode and sound like a firecracker.

When ever i can get around to it, i will check them. I do not have a actual video card at the moment. I am using the built in one, which is 128MB. At the moment that satisfies all my video needs. I will eventually be getting an actual 128MB card from a friend so i can hook the computer into my CRT tv. If i suspect the caps are bad in the power supply i may just sell the machine and let someone else deal with it. I only have about 73.00 into this machine, and had it something like 6-8 months. Its running this CPU:http://ark.intel.com/products/27478/Intel-Pentium-4-Processor-630-supporting-HT-Technology-(2M-Cache-3_00-GHz-800-MHz-FSB) along with 2GB of PC2-5200 RAM and a 310 watt PSU.. so i think i did good on it and should be able to at least double my money if i were to sell it. This is a very well built machine for my investment.

As always, you have to consider the hierarchy of the error. If it is x and y conflicting, then every x and y will conflict...
if the image file IS bad, then nobody will be able to open it. If "Schlockwave" is conflicting with XP Pro, it will always conflict with XP Pro. This is why the internet is the ultimate self-help diagnostic center for computers. Look up your scenario and its probable causes. If it isn't that thing you think it is, time to look elsewhere or at another possible conflict.

It's really too bad computers can't give you a flowchart of their errors. That would make things EASY AS PIE.

The 310 watt power supply seems a bit small for your P4 machine. Is that the original design? All your specifications sound good to me; matching the capabilities of the machine I run now.

Its all original, except for maybe XP pro.. Owners manual says it had windows 2000, but i'm pretty sure this is about a 2005-2006 machine. Which means XP should of been standard. I'm actually going to look at my event log and see what events windows has been reporting. It appears my event log is reporting server 2505 and sidebyside 59 errors. I have never seen a sidebyside 59 error before or server 2505 error.

What software maintenance routines to you run? I can give you a list of things I run daily and weekly if you like. These simple and free programs have kept my machine trouble free.